Re: [PyrNet-L] dewclaws

[Adrienne Wilder <draggon@STC.Net>]

adyment wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I asked a long time Pyr breeder about dewclaw removal, She informed me that
> the dewclaws are actually a part of the foot and to remove them can cause
> serious problems. She cancels her health guarantee on the pup if the
> dewclaws are removed. She tells me the dewclaws are very similar to that of
> our thumbs.
> With the removal of the dewclaws it changes the positation of the foot from
> toed out to a more straight position which can cause wear on the hips and
> lead to H.D. I would think with 35 years in the breed she knows what she's
> talking about. I would never consider removing them.
> 
>

While I would *never* remove my dog's dewclaws...no more then I would 
cur off my own little toes <g>..
HD is NOT caused by dewclaw removel and any one who has been breeding 
that long should have enough common sense to know that.
HD is a GENETIC disease that can be exacerbated by certian activities, 
obesity, even poor nutrition, but these things, no dew claw removal, is 
EVER the CAUSE.
	Sorry for the caps but it *really* frustrates me that so many 
people thrive on the "urban ledgends" when it comes to diseases like 
these....All too *often* the people who say things like this do it 
becasue they themselves don't x-ray or they have an unusual high rate of 
CHD in their lines so they want some sort of "excuse" to fall back on...

So how is HD caused??? It is based on multiple gene factors and you 
cannot prevent it, predict it or breed it out...all you can do to assure 
that you produce as little of it as possible is to breed the better 
average of normal hips to normal hips only...the end.. ;).
	As for dew claws...
	There are a myrid of reason not to cut off a pyr's 
dewclaws...all of them really just *prefence*.  But I would no more cut 
off the dew claws on my pyr then I would dock its ears or tail...its not 
how the breed is supposed to be.  If a person doesn't like the double 
dewclaws then don't get a pyr...get a kuvaz....That way you don't have 
to pay extra to *carve* your dream dog.. ;)  <g>....or better yet, how 
about a  boxer..everthing is cut short on those.. ;)
	
	
 

-- 


Adrienne Wilder  www.stc.net/~draggon/index.htm (pet portraits)
Murrayville GA

"Oh, to be loved by a dog!"

Home of:
The golden gang,
Patou and the evil sister geese.
and many stray cats.